ABATE Chapter Works to Save More Lives on Motorcycles

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Eric Carlston’s been riding motorcycles since he was 17-years-old.

“I think the common denominator for anyone who rides a motorcycle is the love and appreciation of freedom,” said Carlston.

Carlston shares his love and respect of the road as president of the Monroe County ABATE chapter. ABATE works to save lives and protect the rights of riders. After three men, ages 20 to 22, died in three separate motorcycle crashes in four days, Carlston knows more needs to be done.

“Unfortunately we have seen the tragedy of lives being lost where speed and operator error was a contributing factor to the crash. Every time I hear about an accident like that I feel like I failed in some way in making sure people are riding safely and the public is interacting with motorcycles safer in traffic,” said Carlston.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said in 2014, more than 4200 motorcyclists died in crashes, 146 in New York State.

June was the deadliest month for fatal crashes.

“We understand that a lot of people are concerned and perhaps more aware of people who ride too fast or recklessly otherwise, but still the primary cause of accidents that results in permanent injury or death is due to someone failing to yield the right of a motorcycle,” said Carlston.

MCC offers motorcycle training classes in its Learn to Ride program. Many of the classes are sold-out. A basic rider course is available online through MCC.

Carlston said experienced riders and alert drivers save lives.

“Safety is important to me. It is paramount though and there is a responsibility on the part of the rider and the public in general to help make sure of that,” said Carlston.